Scott Gudeman, MD

1260 Innovation Pkwy., Suite 100

Greenwood, IN 46143
(317) 884-5200
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Bakers Cyst

What is a Bakers Cyst (Popliteal Cyst)?
A Bakers cyst, also sometimes referred to as a popliteal cyst, is a small benign (non-cancerous) cyst that forms
on the back of the knee joint. A cyst is a small sac filled with clear, thick fluid. It may range somewhat in size,
but will generally not cause a great deal of pain or discomfort.
Causes of Bakers Cyst
A Bakers cyst is the result of synovial fluid, which lines and lubricates the knee joint, escaping from the joint
capsule. They are more common in people suffering from degenerative joint disease, or osteoarthritis.
A Bakers cyst may also be the result of an injury or inflammation of the knee joint, or may be the result of
a chronic knee problem other than degenerative joint disease.

Symptoms of a Bakers Cyst

The cyst can be felt as a small swelling on the back of the knee. It may be tender to the touch. The knee may
also be stiff, though in adults it may accompany a flare-up of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, and the
symptoms of the cyst may not be distinguishable from those of the arthritis.
It can also occur in children, ages 5 to 7 years, and in those cases, these cysts are usually not indicative of any
other knee problems. They usually disappear after the child grows up.
Swelling may increase, limiting activities such as kneeling, where the knee is bent. Bakers cysts are typically not
very painful unless the swelling is severe.
Treatment of Bakers Cyst
Your doctor may take x-rays of your knee to rule out other potential, more serious problems. However, the cyst
will not show up on an x-ray. Other tests such as ultrasound or MRI may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of
a Bakers cyst.
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Treatment is often not necessary, except to continue to observe the cyst to be sure that it does not continue
to grow larger. Normally, however, the cyst will go away by itself.
Ice and/or wrapping your knee with an elastic bandage may be helpful in reducing the swelling in your knee,
reducing any pain or discomfort accompanying the cyst.
If necessary, your doctor may have to drain the fluid from your knee with a needle. This is called aspiration.
It may only provide temporary relief. The cyst may still reappear after the aspiration.
Bakers cysts generally disappear within a few years. Surgery is rarely required, unless the cyst grows quite large
and/or interferes with movement. A cyst may actually rupture, causing temporary swelling and pain in the calf.
There are generally no complications associated with Bakers cysts. Contact your doctor, however, if your knee
becomes increasingly painful or if it is warm or red or you develop a fever. This may indicate that you have
developed an infection.
For some adults, a knee meniscal tear may be associated and cause a Bakers cyst. If the meniscal tear is causing pain and problems, arthroscopy to treat the meniscal tear may be indicated. Usually, surgical treatment of
the Bakers cyst in this setting is not necessary. Surgical treatment of the meniscal tear indirectly addresses the
Bakers cyst.
Informative Websites:
www.saveyourknees.org
www.orthoinfo.org
www.sportsmed.org
www.aana.org

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The information provided herein is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not
use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting a licensed physician.
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